Welcome to Hyperion Records, an independent British classical label devoted to presenting high-quality recordings of music of all styles and from all periods from the twelfth century to the twenty-first.

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Frühlingsglaube

Introduction

Karoline Unger-Sabatier was one of the most famous singers of the age, a mezzo-soprano who sang in the first performance of Beethoven’s ninth symphony and whom Schubert coached in the role of Dorabella (Così fan tutte) during the short time he worked as a répétiteur at the Kärntnertor Theatre in 1821. Karoline, a splendid interpreter of Schubert’s songs, was the daughter of Johann Karl Unger who was a Schubert enthusiast and patron, and also something of a composer. She left Vienna in 1825—her father missed her terribly—and returned to the city only for the 1839–1840 season when she was once again engaged by the Kärntnertor Theatre.

Karoline Unger retired from the stage in 1843 when she married the French scholar François Sabatier. Her book of songs in autograph, prefaced by a dedicatory poem by Franz Schober in his own hand, was kindly loaned to me by Richard McNutt. Her career as a composer, such as it was, dates from the years of her marriage and her residence in France. It contains a number of French romances, but also lieder in her native language. Frühlingsglaube is typical of Karoline’s simple, but amiably fluent, style.

Recordings

'This would have been a massive project for even the biggest international label, but from a small independent … it is a miracle. An ideal Christ ...'Please give me the complete Hyperion Schubert songs set – all 40 discs –and, in the next life, I promise I'll "re-gift" it to Schubert himself … ...» More

'This enterprising, often revelatory set should intrigue and delight anyone interested in the development of the Lied' (Gramophone)'Since making music with friends was Schubert's whole raison d'etre, this 3-CD box is an inspired idea … led by the soprano Susan Gritton, ...» More

Balmy breezes are awakened;
they stir and whisper day and night,
everywhere creative.
O fresh scents, O new sounds!
Now, poor heart, do not be afraid.
Now all must change.

The world grows fairer each day;
we cannot know what is still to come;
the flowering knows no end.
The deepest, most distant valley is in flower.
Now, poor heart, forget your torment.
Now all must change.